A homeless man died after getting stuck between two abandoned shipping containers in a 'bizarre accident', an inquest in Buckinghamshire has heard today.

Terence Brooks, 64, no fixed abode, was found in an old shipping container off Westfield Lane in George Green, Slough, on February 4, 2023.

A post-mortem examination revealed his tragic death was caused by positional asphyxia after being stuck in a narrow space between two containers. This led to the loss of consciousness as the “unusual position” stopped his breathing.  

The inquest heard how two teenagers found Mr Brooks’ body shortly before midnight on February 4 as they explored the area on bicycles.

One of the boys called his mum after making the discovery, who alerted the police.

Coroner Ian Wade said the lower part of Mr Brooks’ body was pinned in between the two containers. 

READ MORE: High Wycombe: Station car park closure catches out drivers

The coroner said it appeared Mr Brooks had let himself out of the container before possibly 'feeling the need to hide' and jump out of the side window. 

"It was a decision taken by him to climb out, squeeze between [the two containers] and nothing was forced on him by an attack or anything unknown by another person,” Mr Wade said.

He continued: “It is a poignant, tragic and somewhat bizarre tale.

“His death was an accident, a bizarre event but accident, nevertheless.

“A hazard of finding yourself in disused land or empty containers, it’s a very sad end for poor Terence.”

He is believed to have slept rough inside the container, where bedding, a mug, cigarette lighter and tins were discovered.

The owner of the land drove to gated site every two to three weeks to check on building materials stored there, but he rarely visited the blue container and had “no idea” someone was living there, the inquest heard.

The exact time of Mr Brooks’ death remains unknown, but it was likely he was there “for quite a few days,” Mr Wade said.

He was previously known to the police, who received a report of a “confused man” in George Green in August last year, believed to have been Mr Brooks.

He told the officers he had a previous knee injury from working with horses, he had problems with hearing, and he had a speech impediment. He also said he didn’t have a doctor because “he didn’t trust doctors”, the inquest heard.

He was born in Windsor on April 7, 1958, but little is known about his life and no family has been found.

He is described as slim build and with letters JNN tattooed on his right arm.